Mastercard has announced a partnership with Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) 2025, an initiative hosted by Sterling Bank in Abuja, to empower farmers through technology and promote sustainable food systems across the continent.
The collaboration, unveiled during a press conference at Sterling Bank’s headquarters, highlights a shared vision to advance agricultural transformation through innovation, digital inclusion, and financial empowerment.
ASA 2025, themed “Survival of the Greenest: Reclaiming Africa’s Food Destiny,” will bring together policymakers, agritech innovators, investors, and development partners to address the continent’s agricultural challenges and explore climate-resilient solutions.
As part of the partnership, Mastercard will lead a key panel discussion titled “Harnessing Digital Tools for an Agricultural Renaissance,” focusing on how digital innovation, data, and fintech solutions can drive inclusive growth and improve productivity for African farmers. The session will feature Mastercard’s Daniel Huba alongside industry leaders such as Vera Iheanacho of Sterling Bank, Tajudeen Yahaya of Extension Africa, and Emmanuel Okeleji of Seamless HR.
Speaking on the collaboration, Mastercard’s Country Manager for West Africa, Dr Folasade Femi-Lawal, emphasized that agriculture remains central to Africa’s economic resilience. “Agriculture is the backbone of Africa’s economy, contributing up to 40 per cent of GDP and employing over 60 per cent of the workforce. Through initiatives like Community Pass and the MADE Alliance, we are connecting farmers to markets, financial services, and service providers, helping them boost productivity and income. Partnering with Agriculture Summit Africa allows us to amplify this impact and accelerate Africa’s journey towards a digitally inclusive and climate-resilient food system,” she said.
Sterling Bank’s Group Head of Agric and Solid Mineral Finance, Olushola Obikanye, also praised the partnership, noting that Mastercard’s expertise in digital transformation aligns with the summit’s mission. “We are delighted to welcome Mastercard as a partner for ASA 2025. Their pioneering work demonstrates how digital technology can uplift rural economies, particularly for smallholder farmers and women entrepreneurs. This partnership fits perfectly into our vision of building an Africa that grows smart, sustainably, and inclusively,” he stated.
With over seven million users already registered on Mastercard’s Community Pass platform, the company reaffirmed its commitment to integrating technology, finance, and sustainability to support rural livelihoods.
According to Sterling Bank, the Mastercard-ASA partnership underscores the power of collaboration and innovation in reclaiming Africa’s food destiny, ensuring that farmers are not just surviving but thriving in the digital economy.
